2014 Forester 2.0XT Interview

ricochet · 01-19-2013, 10:00 PM

Interview with Takuji Dai, 2014 Subaru Forester project lead
By Ryan Douthit, Driving Sports

Recently, we flew down to Arizona to test the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester. Our driving impressions are still under embargo, so you’ll have to wait a bit for the full review. For now, here’s a preview featuring an exclusive interview with the project lead on the new Forester, Takuji Dai. In the video Dai-san discusses the turbo, the new model's enhanced off-road capabilities and how the 2014 2.0XT compares to the previous generation JDM Forester STI.

Update: With the embargo now ended, we can share this "hot lap" video which features some in-car commentary on the new Forester 2.0XT. A full review (including off-road driving) will appear in Driving Sports TV Season 2, which kicks off in February.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

ricochet · 01-19-2013, 10:01 PM

YouTube version - Interview:

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Preview - YouTube

YouTube version - Hot Lap:

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Review Hot Lap - YouTube

Akrexak · 01-20-2013, 05:26 AM

I can't wait until these hit the floor and more people get to drive them. This is looking good. Hell yes.

Akrexak · 01-20-2013, 05:26 AM

Internet fail.

nystateofmind308 · 01-20-2013, 11:07 AM

Those specs are amazing...I might have to trade in my WRX for that badboy...

geddesk2 · 01-20-2013, 02:35 PM

Very interesting to hear more of the differences between the chassis of the na and turbo.

I'm excited to see and hear all the reviews!

Trustkevin13 · 01-20-2013, 03:50 PM

wooo! i cant wait to hear about the new wrx then

Shortpersonbk · 01-20-2013, 04:05 PM

Its almost as though a STi version was confirmed if you watch the interview. I can't see him saying we are "considering" a STi version for america without it already being in the works.

VTGT · 01-20-2013, 04:15 PM

Pretty impressive. I like what I see.

silver arrow · 01-21-2013, 12:37 AM

Please put this engine in the BRZ. Pretty please.

Layvon · 01-21-2013, 08:59 AM

I saw this in person at NAIAS. Please see attached post for pictures.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...&postcount=359

Looking pretty good so far.

Layvon · 01-21-2013, 09:12 AM

Also - the lady said it is 250hp and didn't know torque, but it was quick spooling. She was very knowledgeable woman about the matter.

KD1CA · 01-21-2013, 01:35 PM

Awesome! Going to talk the wife into getting one haha

ejicon · 01-21-2013, 05:25 PM

Wow... that little 3 minute segment got my heart pumping. In a time where other companies are going away from performance and focusing on MPG Economy Cars, Subaru pokes through it all and gives consumers Performance and Economy in one package. Excellent.

fuelMuncher · 01-21-2013, 11:49 PM

Great video, and although the gentleman didn't speak great english, he was very well spoken. Respect. I think the direction Subaru is now going in confirms why they partnered with Toyota to make the BRZ - trade secrets. Now they are using direct injection, makes sense, just a loose approximation on my part, could be wrong, not trying to be troll bait or anything. It also makes sense why Subaru has made their plant so clean:
http://thegoodhuman.com/2008/02/05/s...our-own-house/
I think they're trying appear greener, which isn't bad - it puts me at ease knowing I drive one in this regard. Top notch company that Subaru.

ADaughen · 01-22-2013, 02:23 PM

Is it me, it looks like a BMW X5 (front/hood) and a Pontiac Vibe mated (sides/rear). :/ Throw in some Hyundai Velociter front bumper.

Needs more wagon a'la '98-05, less rolly polly SUV. Something to differentiate it from a Crosstrek with more cargo room.

Akrexak · 01-22-2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADaughen

Is it me, it looks like a BMW X5 (front/hood) and a Pontiac Vibe mated (sides/rear). :/ Throw in some Hyundai Velociter front bumper.

Needs more wagon a'la '98-05, less rolly polly SUV. Something to differentiate it from a Crosstrek with more cargo room.

You can compare every car to another car and find something like another car...
Just my opinion.

ians · 01-22-2013, 03:12 PM

What, IMO is important here is this is the new architecture engine, in a 2 liter format, turbo charged. I cannot imagine for a moment that this engine will only be used in one vehicle, that's not what Subaru does....I think we'll see this in at least the BRZ and maybe a more powerful version in the next gen WRX.

Akrexak · 01-22-2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ians

What, IMO is important here is this is the new architecture engine, in a 2 liter format, turbo charged. I cannot imagine for a moment that this engine will only be used in one vehicle, that's not what Subaru does....I think we'll see this in at least the BRZ and maybe a more powerful version in the next gen WRX.

I too believe that this will be in more vehicles, I can’t wait to see more improved Subarus.

Sideways · 01-22-2013, 08:04 PM

Not that I am a huge fan of autos, but I really want to see what that CVT can do.

I assume 0-60 and Qtr Miles numbers should be interesting since you don't have the typical lag between gear shifts.

jbtsurf · 01-23-2013, 09:35 PM

Debadged STi my arse.

look for wrecked ones after their release to do BRZ engine swaps, duh!!!

SuperScubi · 01-27-2013, 09:16 AM

so tempting... i really want to stop daily driving my STi and pick up a forester to use as a daily
might have to pull the trigger on this unless i can find a Forester STi to import

A W · 01-27-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbtsurf

Debadged STi my arse.

look for wrecked ones after their release to do BRZ engine swaps, duh!!!

The rest of the Subaru community looks forward to you trying to make it fit in the BRZ engine bay to begin with.

NavigatorsLegacy · 01-27-2013, 09:51 PM

Like it... All I need now is some more money to buy one! Anyone wanna help donate some money for me? Lol...

jbtsurf · 01-28-2013, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A W

The rest of the Subaru community looks forward to you trying to make it fit in the BRZ engine bay to begin with.

Subarus are like Leggos. they go together easily and effortlessly... and. fortunately, are light enough that it only takes one person to assemble all parts; large or small. 4 bolts in front subframe, 4 bolts in the rear subframe, SNAP, youre done.

01-19-2013, 10:00 PM	#1
ricochet Driving Sports TV Staff Member#: 15542 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kirkland, WA Vehicle: 2009 2008 RX-8 1976 Subaru 1400	2014 Forester 2.0XT Interview Interview with Takuji Dai, 2014 Subaru Forester project lead By Ryan Douthit, Driving Sports Recently, we flew down to Arizona to test the all-new 2014 Subaru Forester. Our driving impressions are still under embargo, so you’ll have to wait a bit for the full review. For now, here’s a preview featuring an exclusive interview with the project lead on the new Forester, Takuji Dai. In the video Dai-san discusses the turbo, the new model's enhanced off-road capabilities and how the 2014 2.0XT compares to the previous generation JDM Forester STI. Update: With the embargo now ended, we can share this "hot lap" video which features some in-car commentary on the new Forester 2.0XT. A full review (including off-road driving) will appear in Driving Sports TV Season 2, which kicks off in February. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by ricochet; 01-25-2013 at 06:01 PM.

01-20-2013, 11:07 AM	#5
nystateofmind308 Scooby Newbie Member#: 332064 Join Date: Sep 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY, NY Vehicle: 2008 WRX Automatic Black	good lawd Those specs are amazing...I might have to trade in my WRX for that badboy...

01-23-2013, 09:35 PM	#21
jbtsurf Scooby Newbie Member#: 14189 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Aspen White	Forester XT Debadged STi my arse. look for wrecked ones after their release to do BRZ engine swaps, duh!!!

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01-20-2013, 05:26 AM	#3
Akrexak Scooby Specialist Member#: 100607 Join Date: Nov 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage, AK Vehicle: 2007 Black swirl STi '11 Forester Touring-Hers	I can't wait until these hit the floor and more people get to drive them. This is looking good. Hell yes.

01-20-2013, 02:35 PM	#6
geddesk2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 119397 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Snoqualmie Vehicle: 2012 STI WRB (The only color)	Very interesting to hear more of the differences between the chassis of the na and turbo. I'm excited to see and hear all the reviews!

01-20-2013, 03:50 PM	#7
Trustkevin13 Scooby Specialist Member#: 259184 Join Date: Sep 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Missouri Vehicle: 2008 Subaru WRX Silver	wooo! i cant wait to hear about the new wrx then

01-20-2013, 04:05 PM	#8
Shortpersonbk Scooby Specialist Member#: 319017 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Vehicle: 2005 SAABARU 18g xt JDM 6 speed	Its almost as though a STi version was confirmed if you watch the interview. I can't see him saying we are "considering" a STi version for america without it already being in the works.

01-20-2013, 04:15 PM	#9
VTGT Scooby Specialist Member#: 132119 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC	Pretty impressive. I like what I see.

01-21-2013, 12:37 AM	#10
silver arrow Scooby Specialist Member#: 25859 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Georgia Vehicle: 1965 MGB yellow 2009 MB C300	Please put this engine in the BRZ. Pretty please.

01-21-2013, 08:59 AM	#11
Layvon NASIOC Supporter Member#: 195711 Join Date: Nov 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cadillac MI Vehicle: STi 04/05/06/07 JBP / OBP for now	I saw this in person at NAIAS. Please see attached post for pictures. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...&postcount=359 Looking pretty good so far.

01-21-2013, 09:12 AM	#12
Layvon NASIOC Supporter Member#: 195711 Join Date: Nov 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cadillac MI Vehicle: STi 04/05/06/07 JBP / OBP for now	Also - the lady said it is 250hp and didn't know torque, but it was quick spooling. She was very knowledgeable woman about the matter.

01-21-2013, 01:35 PM	#13
KD1CA Scooby Newbie Member#: 341974 Join Date: Dec 2012 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NOVA Vehicle: 09 WRX BLAACCKK	Awesome! Going to talk the wife into getting one haha

01-21-2013, 05:25 PM	#14
ejicon Scooby Guru Member#: 2452 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Burbank,California, USA Vehicle: 08 2.5 WRX WRB Mica	Wow... that little 3 minute segment got my heart pumping. In a time where other companies are going away from performance and focusing on MPG Economy Cars, Subaru pokes through it all and gives consumers Performance and Economy in one package. Excellent.

01-21-2013, 11:49 PM	#15
fuelMuncher Scooby Newbie Member#: 301554 Join Date: Nov 2011 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: California Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon PSM	Great video, and although the gentleman didn't speak great english, he was very well spoken. Respect. I think the direction Subaru is now going in confirms why they partnered with Toyota to make the BRZ - trade secrets. Now they are using direct injection, makes sense, just a loose approximation on my part, could be wrong, not trying to be troll bait or anything. It also makes sense why Subaru has made their plant so clean: http://thegoodhuman.com/2008/02/05/s...our-own-house/ I think they're trying appear greener, which isn't bad - it puts me at ease knowing I drive one in this regard. Top notch company that Subaru.

01-22-2013, 02:23 PM	#16
ADaughen Scooby Newbie Member#: 333348 Join Date: Sep 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: My Cubicle Vehicle: 2000 Forester S Silverthorn/Slate	Is it me, it looks like a BMW X5 (front/hood) and a Pontiac Vibe mated (sides/rear). :/ Throw in some Hyundai Velociter front bumper. Needs more wagon a'la '98-05, less rolly polly SUV. Something to differentiate it from a Crosstrek with more cargo room.

01-22-2013, 03:12 PM	#18
ians Scooby Newbie Member#: 64173 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: MA Vehicle: 2011 Impreza WRX lightning Red	What, IMO is important here is this is the new architecture engine, in a 2 liter format, turbo charged. I cannot imagine for a moment that this engine will only be used in one vehicle, that's not what Subaru does....I think we'll see this in at least the BRZ and maybe a more powerful version in the next gen WRX.

01-22-2013, 08:04 PM	#20
Sideways Scooby Specialist Member#: 6295 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Portland Original Vehicle: 2011 SWP WRX #4	Not that I am a huge fan of autos, but I really want to see what that CVT can do. I assume 0-60 and Qtr Miles numbers should be interesting since you don't have the typical lag between gear shifts.

01-27-2013, 09:16 AM	#22
SuperScubi Scooby Specialist Member#: 233407 Join Date: Dec 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Kirkland, WA Vehicle: 2004 Aspen White STi DomTune380.5whp/415.8torq	so tempting... i really want to stop daily driving my STi and pick up a forester to use as a daily might have to pull the trigger on this unless i can find a Forester STi to import

01-27-2013, 09:51 PM	#24
NavigatorsLegacy Scooby Newbie Member#: 329093 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NorthEastern USA Vehicle: 2011 2.5i, WRX	Like it... All I need now is some more money to buy one! Anyone wanna help donate some money for me? Lol...